The Democrat-controlled Senate in Iowa has shut down an attempt to let Iowans vote on gay marriage in their state.

Iowa State Senator Kent Sorenson had pushed for amending the state constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman. Twenty-four Republicans voted "yes" on the measure Thursday, while 26 Democrats voted "no."

Last year the Iowa Supreme Court ruled to legalize gay marriage. The only possible recourse to reverse that ruling is for citizens to vote on the matter.

"The concern from our constituents seems to continue to mount. They're very offended that their Iowa Senate won't even bring the matter up for debate and secondly that they continue to be denied the opportunity to vote on their constitution," former Iowa House Speaker Danny Carroll told CBN News.

The Republican-controlled Iowa House plans to take up the matter next week.